CAVE A womb symbol of the Goddess, the cave represents
that which is concealed, something incubating, or the
entrance to the subconscious mind.
CHALICE, CUP Similar to the cauldron, the chalice has
several meanings. Its primary meaning is rebirth and
illumination. However, a filled chalice represents the
bounty of life coming to you from a higher power, while
an empty chalice is the receptacle for offerings. To rid
yourself of negative emotions and feelings, gently blow
into an empty cup, mentally emptying yourself of your
problems. Then, turn the cup upside down on the altar.
This symbolizes your turning your problems over to a
higher power to be solved and transformed.
CHILD The image of a child symbolizes the future with its
potential as yet unrealized, the deeply hidden treasure
in the mystic center of each human, or the beginning of
a new cycle.
CIRCLE An ancient symbol, the circle represents the return
from multiples to unity, from time to timelessness, from
body-obsessed consciousness to the spiritually centered
subconscious. Jung calls the circle the ultimate state of
Oneness, for it has no beginning and no end. Engravings
of circles and cups can be seen in Paleolithic caves and
Neolithic graves. The Gnostics used a drawing of a snake
with its tail in its mouth to represent the circle; this
symbol was called the ouroboros and it represented the
cycles of time, life, the universe, death, and rebirth.
The Native Americans made and still make circular
medicine wheels. Permanent circles often marked holy
places and sacred sites, such as Stonehenge and the
Chinese Temple of Heaven.